Feb 6 My Favorite Podcasts

I am still shocked that some people don't know what podcasts are. So if you don't - think about "Books on Tape", but instead of just being read to it is with someone leading the podcast or "talk show" for your ears about different topics. How was that description?! hahaha

With driving over an hour most days, listening to the same music can get old so I started looking into podcasts. It makes me feel productive when I drive, is that crazy? I also think it helps pass the time quicker too.

The podcast app is ALREADY on your iPhone - it is the little purple icon with what could either be a little person or a microphone with two rings around it! Andriod users - I assume you have something too! I know it is linked to iTunes so I am Apple ignorant and I'm not sure, but I know there is a way!

Alrighty, I am going to share my favorite podcasts with you:

1. Up & Vanished

Okay - this has to be my favorite! I hate scary movies and suspense but this story is sooooo intriguing. I thankfully listened to this after it had finished because it would have been so hard to wait for the next episode. I flew through it because it was THAT good.

Payne Lindsay is the host. He is a filmmaker from Georgia and decided he wanted to research and open up a cold-case that was never solved and he chose the biggest case-file in Georgia's state history. The disappearance of teacher and former beauty-queen, Tara Grinstead. I am telling you, you won't be disappointed - there are twists you never saw coming and it is happening in real time. Most cases like this you have a suspect and it's easy to come up with what you assume happened but with this case there are so many unknowns that you try to piece it together on your own.

2. NPR - How I Built This with Guy Raz

When I started listening to podcasts again after a hiatus of my first ever podcast experience (scroll to find which one that was!) How I Built This was the first one I started listening to and I love it. Guy Raz has such a perfect podcast host voice. He interviews creators and founders of different brands and they tell their stories of how they became successful and built their brand. It is beyond interesting to listen to how these big brands and companies we have all heard of came to be. It truly makes me appreciate how hard people work to get to where they are.

3. The Influencer Podcast with Julie Solomon

My good friend, Claire, told me about this podcast and I love it! If you are not a blogger, aspiring blogger or in the blogging world this podcast may not interest you but it is right up my alley!

Julie covers a ton of topics and interviews people who have expertise in the influencer world. Some of her tips I have used and a lot of what she covers are just great reminders for those of us in a influencer/blogger position trying to navigate algorithms and building a brand.

4. The Husband and Wife Podcast

Speaking of my friend Claire...Her and her husband Stephen (Guentz) just started a new podcast and it is AMAZING! I may be excited to listen to my friends more via podcast, cause that's super cool right?! But it is actually great stuff, bias aside. I laugh during every episode. It is upbeat, refreshing and REAL.

They cover topics that couples may go through but also just real-life scenarios. Meaning: You don't have to be in a relationship to listen to this! It's nice to listen to a podcast where things aren't SO deep that you feel like you have to concentrate super hard to not miss something. It's light, fun and insightful. Their back and forth banter is comical and it is overall entertaining and enjoyable to listen to! Well done, guys ;)

5. Atlanta Monster

This podcast just released at the beginning of the year. And I will tell you the number one reason I am listening to it: Payne Lindsay.

Recognize the name? Yeah, the same host as "Up & Vanished". When I got to the end of U&V, Payne started talking about his next case and podcast titled, "Atlanta Monster". I was so hooked on U&V I knew I had to tune in for his next podcast. There have only been 5 episodes so far but it's about another Georgia case. This one being from the late 70's and is about the Atlanta Child Murders. I know I know, sounds morbid. But the way Payne investigates things is fascinating and I can't wait for this story to unfold.

6. What's Next?

I just heard about this podcast through a family friend and I wanted to share about it because I am about to be on it soon and I am so stoked!

I love the idea behind this podcast because I think it is one a lot of people can relate to or would want to hear more about. The Host team consists of 4 guys: Anthony Cinelli, Neil Mammele, Kevin Castodio and Gary Binkiewicz. The whole concept of this podcast is life after college. Specifically based around college athletes and their transition into the real world. For many college athletes, their sport is their full-time job and then one day they are supposed to graduate and move on from that, which can be a major adjustment. This podcast interviews different former athletes and their stories after sports and is great!

7. S-Town

When I was listening to "Up & Vanished" I had people telling me I should listen to S-Town. Or what is really stands for, Shit-Town.

This is another investigative podcast, hosted by Brian Reed. Protagonist of the podcast is, John B. McLemore, a resident of Woodstock, Alabama. He hates where he is from and wanted the podcast to look into an alleged murder in his town. Reed travels down to Alabama and we get to know "John B." and about his life. It's odd to say that someone so negative and depressed is entertaining to listen to but for some reason he is! He tells it how it is and the podcast takes a twist from what you think it is going to originally be about to something totally different.

There was a ton of hype around this podcast. While I did finish it the whole way through, I will be honest I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. However, it is only 7 episodes and is still interesting to listen to!

8. Serial

Last but certainly not least, Serial. I think this has to be one of the most popular podcasts out there?

This was the first ever podcast I listened to. Right away I was intrigued because it is about a case from Baltimore County, Maryland. I am from Maryland! Say what?! This insanely popular podcast is talking about a place that is close to my home and a case that I have never heard of! Probably because I was 7 years old, but still, very interesting.

This is another investigative podcast, hosted by Sarah Koenig. She is investigating the murder of Hae Min Lee, a high school student at the time. A little over a month after her death her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed was arrested and charged.

This podcast dives deep into the details of Lee's disappearance that day and Syed's possible involvement. There are interviews with multiple people attached to this story and to the people involved. This one makes your think hard! It also makes you question if he really did do it...

Let me know if you give any of these a listen! They're well worth it :)